Gochang-gun, Representative Festival 'The 49th Gochang Moyangseong Festival' Opens on the 30th

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The 49th Gochang Moyangseong Festival, a representative festival of Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, will be held for five days from the 30th of this month to the 4th of next month at the Moyangseong area.

According to the county on the 19th, Gochang Moyangseong is a walled town fortress built by the residents of 19 counties in Honam and Jeju Island who united their strength to defend against foreign invasions in the first year of King Danjong of Joseon (1453).

The Gochang county and its residents have held the festival annually for 50 years to commemorate the spirit of unity and to preserve and pass down traditional culture.

There is a legend that says if you perform Dapseongnori (a traditional fortress-walking game) at Moyangseong, "one lap cures leg ailments, two laps bring health and longevity, and three laps ensure rebirth in paradise after death."

The Ganggangsullae (a traditional Korean circle dance) at Gochang Moyangseong Festival is also not to be missed.

Residents dressed beautifully in hanbok gather at the lawn square in front of Moyangseong, holding hands and forming a circle while singing the Ganggangsullae song, showing the vibrant spirit of Gochang.

In addition, reenactments of the siege battle defending Moyangseong from Japanese pirates, the training scenes of Joseon dynasty soldiers, the changing of the water gate guards, and the bell-ringing ceremony that announced the time are performed.

This year, the Moyangseong Festival introduced the metaverse for the first time at the festival site, overcoming spatial limitations and creating a unique festival venue where anyone can enjoy the festival anytime and anywhere.

The VR·AR experiences are designed as substantial programs incorporating cutting-edge technology, allowing visitors to see, experience, and feel events such as the Moyangseong fortress defense VR and paragliding VR experience at the festival.

Beautiful lantern sculptures are installed throughout the dark Moyangseong, creating night photo zones.

Also, romantic busking performances and the Moyangseong Moonlight Theater will provide attractions and entertainment to encourage visitors to stay within the region.

Furthermore, the festival plans to increase visitor satisfaction and differentiate from existing festival foods by offering discounted sales of Gochang’s representative foods such as eel and Korean beef served at state banquets, as well as local specialties that represent Gochang’s characteristics.

County Governor Shim Deokseop said, “As autumn deepens, we ask for much interest and participation in the 49th Gochang Moyangseong Festival, which harmonizes the beauty of tradition and modernity to provide abundant enjoyment.”

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil baekok@asiae.co.kr